Editorial Policy

Koto's Japan is run from Japan. Our goal is simple: explain Japanese culture accurately and kindly, so readers understand the "why" behind what they see — and can enjoy it themselves.

How we research and fact-check

• We check cultural facts — origins, dates, customs and etiquette — against Japanese-language sources such as government and municipal pages, agricultural research bodies, shrine and temple information, and established reference works.
• Where sources disagree, or customs vary by region, family or tea school, we say so instead of presenting one version as the only truth.
• Information that changes — festival dates, the year's lucky direction, park rules, prices — is reviewed before each season.
• Every article shows when it was published and, when it changes significantly, when it was updated.

Photos and illustrations

• Photos show what things really look like. We use our own photos or photos with a license that allows our use, and we credit the photographer under each photo.
• Illustrations — including our guide character Koto — are created with AI image tools and then reviewed by a person, for example to make sure kimono are worn correctly (left side over right). We use illustrations for stories, history and scenes that can't be photographed.
• We never present an AI image as a real photograph. When an illustration could be mistaken for a photo, we label it.

Writing

We use AI tools to help draft and translate articles. A person decides every topic, checks every fact, and edits every article before it is published. We are responsible for everything on this site.

How we choose products

• We recommend products and experiences because they connect to the culture we explain — not because of commission rates.
• We say who each recommendation is best for, and when a cheaper option or something you already own will do.
• Some links are affiliate links. They never change what we write. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Corrections

If you spot a mistake — or know a regional custom we've missed — please tell us at hello@kotosjapan.com. We correct errors promptly and note significant changes on the article.